Empowering Neurodiverse Individuals: Embracing the Journey to Life After High School

As a parent, watching your child transition from the structured world of school to the uncharted territory of post-school life can be both exciting and challenging. Here at Hopkins Education Services, we understand that this pivotal time is filled with questions about your child's future and how best to support their growth and independence.

Young student with ASD gains independence by practicing essential life skills like shopping and folding clothes.

One powerful tool that can facilitate this transition is the Transition Planning Inventory–Second Edition (TPI-2). This assessment is specifically designed to help educators, parents, and students work together to plan for life beyond school. It evaluates a student’s strengths, needs, and interests across multiple domains, including employment, independent living, further education, and personal-social skills for life after high school.

Why TPI-2 Is Beneficial for Students with Special Needs

Personalized Transition Planning: The TPI-2 identifies the unique needs and goals of your child, allowing for a transition plan that highlights their strengths and addresses their challenges. Each plan is tailored, giving your child a better chance to thrive.

Improved Post-School Outcomes: This assessment concentrates on vital areas like employment readiness and daily living skills, ensuring that your child is prepared for success as they move into adulthood.

Engages Multiple Perspectives: The TPI-2 includes input from students, parents, and educators. This multi-faceted approach provides a well-rounded understanding of your child's abilities and aspirations, which is essential for effective planning.

Supports IEP Development: The insights gained from the TPI-2 can assist IEP teams in crafting measurable transition goals and aligning necessary services with your child’s ambitions for the future.

Encourages Self-Determination: Involving your child in the assessment process promotes self-awareness and self-advocacy, two crucial attributes for achieving independence in adulthood.

When to Start Transition Planning

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), transition planning is required to be incorporated into a student’s IEP by age 16. However, we recommend beginning this process as early as age 14. Early planning allows for gradual skill-building and exploration of both career options and post-secondary education pathways.

A family excitedly explores college brochures and plans for the future as their teen prepares for life after high school.

- Ages 12-14: Begin early exploration of strengths and interests. Encourage your child to start self-assessments and goal-setting.

- Ages 14-16: Formal transition planning should commence, including the TPI-2 assessment, career exploration, and life-skills training.

- Ages 16-18: Focus on intensive job readiness, independent living skills, and post-secondary planning—whether it's college, vocational training, or other opportunities.

- Ages 18-21 (if applicable): Additional support should be provided for developing self-advocacy, employment, and independent living skills.

By starting the TPI-2 assessment in the 14-16 age range, you can help your child’s IEP team create a proactive and individualized transition plan. This ensures that they are well-prepared for the responsibilities and opportunities that await them as they move into adulthood.

Moving Forward Together

At Hopkins Education Services, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey. We are here to provide guidance on how to incorporate assessments like the TPI-2 into your existing curriculum or transition plan. Your child’s future is bright, and with the right tools and support, we can help them navigate this important transition successfully.

Convenient Online Assessment Options

In today's digital age, we are excited to offer the TPI-2 assessment online! This format offers greater convenience and flexibility, enabling your child to complete the assessment in a comfortable environment at their own pace. Parents and educators can easily access the results and collaborate on the findings, making it simpler to incorporate the insights gained into the transition planning process.

A joyful high school graduate stands proudly with their diploma in hand, embodying the spirit of achievement and resilience.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how we can support you and your child, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Together, we can make this transition a positive and empowering experience for your family.